Job Summary. Under the direction of the Land Bank Coordinator, the Housing Strategist will be responsible for creating the Regional Housing Coordination Plan. Additionally, the position will provide technical assistance and review of regional and local housing-related planning, programming, and policies. This position will assist in the integration of housing, transportation, and economic development strategies into the federally-required planning and programming efforts of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and other planning activities of R1.

Illustrative Essential Duties. The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work of this position. The list is not exhaustive or restrictive, and other duties may be assigned.

· Ability to integrate regional housing initiatives into other areas of R1, including community and land use planning, economic development, sustainability and environment, public health, and transportation and mobility;

· Conducting research and developing housing plans and strategies, collecting, synthesizing, and visualizing data;

· Assists with the neighborhood planning process and plan implementation in assigned districts to include history, statistics and demographics as needed to aid in the planning process;

· Represent R1 throughout the region to assist local governments and R1 member agencies as needed and provide technical expertise on housing issues to the public and partner agencies;

· Coordinate with local, state, and federal housing agencies.

· Develop and promote new model land use ordinances, policies, administrative rules, and programs to address housing needs, including but not limited to affordable and “middle” housing;

· Provide technical assistance in the scenario planning efforts, related to the distribution of population and housing;

· Responsible for grant writing and administration of federal and state sources of housing and community development funding;

· Collects and compiles necessary data and information for program reports, evaluation and reporting; and

· Maintain and prepare reports, records, and documentation necessary for conformance with applicable State and Federal guidelines and regulations.

Board and Committee Responsibilities

· Serves as staff support interacting with RPC Governing Board, MPO Policy Committees, Northern Illinois Land Bank Authority, Comprehensive Economic Development Committees, and other advisory committees. Assist in developing meeting materials, and coordinate with committee members regarding questions; and

· Ensures board and operational compliance with the Open Meetings Act (OMA) and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Other

· Participates in or leads internal and external special projects.

· Attends meetings, conferences, and workshops as needed to maintain and develop knowledge applicable to areas of responsibility.

· Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received. Work is performed under the supervision of theDirector of Regional Planning.

Supervision Exercised. Supervision is not a responsibility of this position, although guidance or assistance may be provided to consultants or less experienced employees.

Success Factors. To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behaviors:

· Exercise initiative to problem-solve, develop plans, and follow through.

· Prioritize responsibilities and meet deadlines.

· Work collaboratively with others to ensure the success and achievement of team members in the fulfillment of RPC Board priorities.

· Adapt as the organization develops and evolves.

· Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance.

· Maintain a professional office setting through cleanliness, organization, and demeanor.

· Meet productivity standards.

· Complete work in timely manner.

Education, Training, Experience

· Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, regional planning, geography, economics, or a related field. Master’s degree desirable but not required.

· A minimum of two (2) years of progressive responsibilities and experience with regional planning or housing is preferred.

· American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is beneficial but not required.

Any satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training which ensures the ability to perform the work may be substituted for the required experience.

Annual completion of Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act training is required.

Job Specific Skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and superior written communication skills.

• Ability to prepare and present reports and presentations.

• Group facilitation skills for use with community workshops.

• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.

• Ability to manage projects effectively and meet deadlines.

• Skill in the use and care of a personal computer, including knowledge of MS Office Suite, ArcGIS, Adobe software products (Acrobat, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) and other software and technologies as adopted.

• Ability to understand and perform in high-profile, sensitive, or controversial situations.

• Organization and management of complex projects.

• Strong listening and problem-solving skills.

Working Conditions and Special Demands. Work is performed primarily in an office setting, although work activities may require attending meetings that involve occasional travel. The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform successfully the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Necessary Special Requirements

· Possession of a valid driver’s license

· Drug screening and background check

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $68,000.00 - $76,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person